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Dry Eye Treatments

Artificial tears. These are eye drops that are like real tears. A patient can use artificial tears as often as he needs to. There are many brands. Try a few until find a brand that works best for each case.

Ophthalmologist may suggest blocking tear ducts. This makes natural tears stay in the eyes longer. Tiny silicone or gel plugs (called punctal plugs) may be inserted in the tear ducts. These plugs can be removed later as needed. Ophthalmologist could also recommend surgery that permanently closes tear ducts.

Your ophthalmologist might have you use a special eyedrop medication. This helps the eyes make more of their own tears.

Understanding of the multiple mechanisms through which IPL benefits DED patients (pattients that suffer of medical and ocular diseases that is due to decreased tear production and/or increased tear evaporation) has evolved as knowledge of the disease and technology have advanced.

One important characteristic of IPL is its ability to kill microorganisms. Overgrowth of bacteria and Demodex is a hallmark of MGD (meibomian gland dysfunction), and studies show that IPL improves the signs of blepharitis. Also, IPL warms the dermis to temperatures up to 43º C, thus melting the thick secretions produced by patients suffering from MGD and allowing to manually express the glands easily. Heat-assisted gland expression helps to relieve some of the signs and symptoms of DED.